Talk about tough role models! Military veterans and active servicewomen march the catwalk in designer dresses at New York Fashion Week

Fourteen U.S. military women donned black dresses and marched down the catwalk Thursday as part of Salute the Runway, a fashion effort to honor and support female servicewoman.

The women, both veterans and those on active duty, wore looks donated by designers including Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Carmen Marc Volvo and Betsey Johnson as they took to the runway at the Pavilion at Lincoln Center in New York City.

'You want to be able to serve your country, as a service member, as a veteran, that's something that's in your heart,' military pilot Kelly Smith told CBS News. ‘But that doesn't mean that you always want to have slicked-back hair and no makeup and boring fingernail polish.’

Strike a pose: Fourteen military women, including Leslie Nicole Smith (center), modeled for Salute the Runway, a fashion show to honor female servicewoman

In advance of the show, the women-turned-models, many of whom served in Iraq and Afghanistan, were also treated to coaching from model Hilary Rhoda, make-up by Bobbi Brown and a backstage visit from Lauren Hutton.

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And even for hardened pilot Ms Smith, walking the runway was a daunting task. 'Even just sitting there [as I was having my hair done] I was like, "Alright, you just got back from Kuwait, you just had to deal with flying into Iraq, you can walk 50 feet and turn around and come back,"' she said. 'But for some reason, it is so scary!'

Off-duty style: Military pilot Kelly Smith (pictured wearing Mara Hoffman) said the desire to serve one's country 'doesn't mean that you always want to have slicked-back hair and no make-up'

Model citizen: Army Sgt. Letrice Titus (pictured), who wore Carmen Marc Volvo, said that walking the runway made her feel 'like a million dollars'

Army Sgt. Letrice Titus, a behavioral health specialist, told WWD that walking the runway made her feel 'like a million dollars.'

'When I was asked to do this, I thought, "I’m a big girl." This is size 12, but I feel like size 8. I just feel fierce,' she said.

Retired Army Capt. Leslie Nicole Smith, 45, who lost her left leg and eyesight in 2001 while serving in Bosnia, walked the runway accompanied by her seeing eye dog.

'This is life-changing. This is the most memorable event. We do need this awareness. As [female veterans] come back, they need to be recognized for their service,' she said.

The show was sponsored by Little Black Dress Wines and Fatigues to Fabulous, a campaign to honor and support America's military women.

Canine companion: Retired Army Capt. Leslie Nicole Smith, who lost her left leg and eyesight while serving in Bosnia, walked the runway in Joshua McKinley accompanied by her seeing eye dog